Clinical value of preserving intercostobrachial nerve in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer

Abstract

Objective To investigate the application and clinical significance of preserving intercostobrachial nerve in radical mastectomy. Methods One hundred and twenty cases of Auchineloss with modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer were randomly divided into the observation group (preservation of intercostobrachial nerve group) and control group (without preservation of intercostobrachial nerve group), 55 cases in each group. Operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, the detection number of lymph nodes, postoperative complications, and the proportion of hand limb medial arm sensory recovery were compared between groups. Results Of the two groups, operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, the number of lymph node, postoperative complication ratio had no significant differences. Postoperative medical arm sensory disturbance incidence rate difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Conclusions As long as getting familiar with the anatomical characteristics of the intercostobrachial nerve, preserving intercostobrachial nerve in stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ breast cancer axillary lymph node dissection does not increase the difficulty and local recurrence of retention. It can effectively improve the postoperative life quality of patients with breast cancer, and is safe, feasible, and worthy of clinical application. Key words: Modified radical mastectomy; Breast cancer; Intercostobrachial nerve